Officer Will Face Child Pornography Charges

A Washington D.C. Police Department officer will face federal prosecution charges for child pornography in the U.S. District Court. The officer was arrested in March, and charged with sexually abusing two teenagers. According to court documents, investigators have evidence of several pictures on the officer’s phone which constitute child pornography.

Darrell Best, who has been on the police force for 25 years, also served as a pastor at the God-A Second Change Ministry Church in Southeast Washington, where both of his previous victims attended. The photos found on Best’s phone apparently were taken inside the church and in police headquarters. The D.C. police officer will face child pornography charges beginning next Tuesday, with a preliminary hearing. If found guilty, Best faces 50 years to life in prison.

A police spokeswoman said that Best remains suspended without pay. He will remain in D.C. jail, separated from other inmates for the time being. The officer will face child pornography charges in addition to sexual abuse allegations.